Bolster Tuned CYMA CM.041L SMG-5K Upgraded AEG

The original CM.041L

The CM.041L takes the SMG-5 and shrinks it down into an even more compact package, adding all the modern skirmish essentials which make a practical and tactical Airsoft SMG. This SMG-5 is almost an entirely new AEG, featuring its own stock attachment method, and a version 3 gearbox instead of the v2 found in the longer SMG-5 variants. The CM.041L is similarly equipped to the CM.041G but in a bite-sized package, offering all the advantages that come with a compact front end for close-quarters combat or use as a backup AEG when sniping.

Starting at the tip of the barrel we can find the 5KU SF QD Spitfire Tracer unit, added by the Bolster Armouries techs to lean into the CQB-optimised design of the SMG-5K.  The device mounts to a tri-lug muzzle device which provides QD functionality, though in this Bolster Tuned platform, the inner barrel has been extended to improve accuracy and consistency at range. The new inner barrel extends right to the tip of the internal tracer unit of the 5KU SF suppressor, taking full advantage of the length of this real steel calibre correct suppressor.

The front iron sight is constructed from metal, as one would expect, and takes the form of a ringed front post. The ring surrounding the sight provides drop protection, preventing the fine front sight blade from being damaged should a butterfingers-related mishap occur. The ring can also provide an ultra-rapid aiming device for kissing distance engagements in itself, which is handy as that is what the SMG-5K platform was designed for. The front sight lines up perfectly with the rotary drum dioptre iron sight at the rear, which can be adjusted for different aperture sizes without the use of tools and includes knurling around the circumference to provide grip. making adjustments easy. The rear sight can also be adjusted for windage, using the adjustment screw on the right side of the sight.

Running between the front and rear sight the CM.041L sports a hybrid 20mm Picatinny M-LOK upper rail, which provides a 9-slot Picatinny rail at the rear for mounting optical sights, and an M-LOK slot above the cocking tube for the addition of M-LOK accessories or an additional 20mm Picatinny rail adapter. This is a very well-thought-out addition, especially on such a short platform. The tiny front end of the SMG-5K platform usually leaves little space for the addition of accessories, but the CM.041L has worked around that with this top rail and the M-LOK handguard. The M-LOK slot above the cocking tube is the perfect spot to mount a WADSN Scout Light Pro with its M-LOK mount, which is something you simply wouldn't have space for on a legacy SMG-5K AEG.

The cocking handle of the CM.041L can be found on the left side of the cocking tube, above the handguard. On this replica, the cocking handle does not actuate a fake bolt. Regardless of this, the charging handle can still be racked, and locked up into the safety notch, and provides an impressive metallic "clank" when operated. The cocking handle is a modernised design which fits the aesthetic of the rest of the build and is easier to grab and operate thanks to its reprofiled shape.

The handguard of the CM.041L boasts M-LOK negative space attachment slots at the 3, 6 and 9 o'clock positions, offering the ability to add accessories without the increase in weight that comes with a 20mm Picatinny railed handguard. The M-LOK handguard comes with an SMG-5K style vertical grip/hand stop combo pre-installed to remind us that despite its external makeover this is still an SMG-5K, but if you have other plans for the handguard this part can be removed as with any other M-LOK accessory.

The HOP-up adjuster of the CM.041L can be found on the left side of the AEG, inside the handguard. The adjuster is the "slider" type and can be actuated using a small tool through the M-LOK slots on the handguard. Alternatively, you can remove the handguard entirely for HOP-up tuning by removing the screw below the cocking handle on the left side and replace it when you have your HOP-up set. The adjustable HOP-up allows you to vary the amount of backspin applied to your BBs and tune your AEG for your ammo weight of choice.

Naturally, being a Bolster Tuned platform, this CM.041L has had its HOP-up unit modified to improve air seal, consistency and accuracy by replacing the original pin holding the unit together with a steel machine screw. This modification has proved a great success when installed in the Bolster Tuned CM.041H and CM.041G and is a big part of what allows these enhanced platforms to reach out and hit targets at an incredible 65 meters! The standard HOP-up bucking/rubber has also been replaced with the Bolster standard; the phenomenal Prometheus Purple HOP-up bucking.

The receiver of the CM.041L follows the classic stamped SMG-5 receiver look, with grooves on either side which would provide a track for the sliding stock on the full-length SMG-5, but on the SMG-5K, they simply provide a channel within which the bolt carrier reciprocates. Functionally this does not affect how the CM.041L works, but it does mean a lot for realism, as without these details we may as well be playing paintball!

Now, onto the controls. The CM.041L comes equipped with the latest design in SMG-5 trigger groups, featuring ambidextrous selector levers and high-visibility bullet pictograms to indicate each fire mode. The safe mode is indicated with a white crossed-out bullet, and both semi and full-auto are marked with red bullet pictograms. The selector switch lies directly beneath the shooter's thumb when in a firing grip, and is easily switched between modes, locking positively into each. With the Gate ASTER V3 MOSFET installed into this, the Bolster Tuned version, you can also program the fire selector for burst modes and several other advanced functions!

 The CM.041L, like most SMG-5 AEGs, provides two methods for releasing the magazine. In front of the trigger guard, on the bottom of the AEG is an ambidextrous paddle type magazine release with a polymer extension for fast access regardless of the size of your hands. The primary mag release is accessible from either side and can also be actuated using the trigger finger. As an alternative, for Americans and others who don't understand how to use anything other than an AR15 magazine release, the CM.041L provides an AR15 style button release just above the magazine release on the right side, right where an AR15 user would expect it.

The pistol grip follows a familiar profile, comfortably filling the hand and providing support where it is needed. The material used on the polymer parts of the CM.041L is a textured fibre-reinforced type, similar to the material used on the real version of this AEG, and is rock solid, with no creak, flex or wobble, and a satisfying high-quality feel.

The CM.041L differs from other SMG-5K and SMG-5PDW AEGs primarily due to its M4/AR15 style PDW stock. The stock attaches to the rear of the PDW using its two-pin attachment method, and this stock can be exchanged for an end plate or other SMG-5K/PDW compatible stocks. The stock end plate comes with a sling point built-in at the rear, just below the stock, which is well suited to use with a single-point tactical sling.

The stock can be extended or retracted by pressing the textured stock adjustment catch on the right side of the stock, after which the butt plate can be pulled and the stock will extend and lock into your chosen position. The stock provides 5 positions of adjustment, allowing you to set the AEG up for your loadout, regardless of whether you run a hefty aggressive loadout with a plate carrier or you run a light and fast chest rig or belt setup. The butt plate is smaller than most stocks and includes linear texture for enhanced grip. The small footprint of the butt plate means the AEG is easier to manipulate up close with reduced chances of a snag slowing you down, especially if you wear a plate carrier.

The battery compartment of the CM.041L can be found within the buffer tube of the PDW stock, and can be accessed by extending the stock and then unthreading the rear cap of the buffer tube. Inside you will find a Deans battery connector to which you mount your choice of Airsoft battery. For some, reading the words "PDW Stock" in an AEG description means a tiny battery compartment, and changing your battery frequently. We are happy to report that this is not an issue for the CM.041L thanks to the extension to the stock provided by the stock mount base. As such, for the CM.041L, we recommend an 11.1V 1300mAh LiPo battery in stick configuration for the best fit and performance. If you want an even bigger battery, CYMA has a battery extension for this AEG which is available right here.

Internally, the CM.041L features the new CYMA E-Edition Gearbox, which is great news for those who appreciate a good high speed setup straight out of the box. This Bolster Tuned edition has had the usual internal refinements carried out in order to get the absolute most out of the existing internals, along with the addition of an FPS Softair Type-C Cylinder to provide the correct air volume for the extended tightbore inner barrel.

The gear set is a 13:1 ratio high speed set, which pairs perfectly with the high speed motor to give a thunderous rate of fire in full auto which is sure to drive the enemy team from wherever they have lodged themselves. The version 3 gearbox shell has been reinforced and equipped with a quick-change spring guide which allows the spring to be changed without opening the gearbox shell itself. The spring guide is also equipped with ball bearings on its base, which combine with the silent piston and cylinder head to reduce gearbox noise and stress for smooth, unlaboured performance, made all the better by a full reshim and rebuild carried out by the Bolster Armouries tech team!

The Bolster Tuned CM.041L

Joining previous Bolster Tuned/Patrol Base Custom platforms, the CM.041G and CM.041H SMG-5s and the CM.045 AKS-74U, this CM.041L SMG-5K has had the full works carried out to get the absolute best performance out of the already impressive stock parts, along with some choice enhancements and upgrades to lean into the strengths of the CM.041L platform.

On the outside, the Bolster tech team has installed a tri-lug muzzle device to allow for the 5KU SF QD Spitfire tracer unit to be installed to conceal the extended inner barrel and provide heightened realism thanks to the tracer’s muzzle flash function. The tracer unit also makes instinct aiming in low light far easier when used with green tracer BBs, though if you are cutting about the woods in broad daylight the tracer module can easily be removed and stashed for when the sun goes down, keeping the suppressor in place to complete the look.

This tracer/suppressor was chosen as it is a great replica of the real steel SF design and is calibre appropriate for the CM.041L, a replica of the 9mm chambered SMG-5K. The QD functionality is still present, but we recommend keeping the suppressor installed to cover the extended 260mm tightbore barrel so your gorgeous custom SMG-5K doesn't look weird!

Taking pride of place inside is the legendary Gate ASTER V3 MOSFET, offering programmable fire controls through the Gate Control Station app, Gate Blu-Link or Gate USB Link, adjustable pre-cocking for a ferocious trigger response in semi-auto, cycle timing control, adaptive active braking, adjustable trigger sensitivity, and voltage control. These advanced features combine to give the CM.041L a wealth of functionality that is hard to beat and help its high speed internal setup run at its absolute best.

Installing the ASTER requires modification of the gearbox shell and selector plate for compatibility with the ASTER's optical sensors. Copper is no longer used on the selector plate, and is instead replaced with an ASTER sticker to allow the optical sensors to detect its position, and adjust the fire mode accordingly. This has the benefit of being more reliable than a traditional selector plate, as the use of optical sensors takes corrosion which usually develops on electrical contacts out of the equation completely.

As you will receive it, the Bolster Tuned CM.041L is set up for pre-cocking in semi-automatic for a GBB-like instant response, and standard cycling in full auto so you can release the piston and prolong the life of the spring. These settings can be altered to your heart's desire using the Gate Control Station app, or a Gate Programming card, but there is no need to change settings as this AEG is set up to perform exactly as it should, and if there was a better combination of settings, the Bolster Armouries team would have used them.

All of the internal parts of the Bolster Tuned CM.041L have been treated to Waldo Customs' delicious smelling silicone lubricant, with the SLIM variety being applied to the internal O-rings. The standard CYMA grease has also been cleared out and replaced with Abbey Silicone grease which is applied only where needed to minimise debris buildup inside the gearbox.

One of the biggest issues with mass-produced AEGs is the poor quality lubricant applied from the factory, in inconsistent amounts and in all the wrong places. Bolster Armouries has cleaned up inside the gearbox and reapplied high quality Waldo Customs and Abbey lubricant where needed, and doing this alone makes all the difference. Coupled with the internal enhancements, this SMG-5K has an even more impressive rate of fire than the original model, which was already a cut above most mass-produced AEGs.

The original CM.041L comes with a 6.03mm tightbore inner barrel pre-installed, though it is very short, limited by the external design of the SMG-5K. The Bolster techs decided this simply wouldn’t do, and they will not let any AEG leave their benches until it hits 65 meters consistently. To aid in this goal, the team saw fit to install an extended 6.03mm tightbore inner barrel which runs almost to the tip of the 5KU SF Suppressor/tracer to give this bitesize SMG-5 the ability to reach out and touch the enemy at long range. As one would expect, the new barrels are thoroughly inspected and polished before installation and tested extensively before being cleared for sale. As with other Bolster Tuned AEGs, if it can’t reach 65 meters accurately when tested then it goes back for more work!

To pair with the lengthened tightbore and to provide the correct cylinder volume for the extended 260mm 6.03mm tightbore, the team has installed an FPS Softair Type C Cylinder which has a slightly higher cylinder port position than the standard Type C cylinder. FPS Softair is a relatively new manufacturer, based in Italy and specialises in upgrade parts for AEGs and the TM NGRS system. FPS's parts have impressed the Bolster techs to the extent that they will be appearing in future Bolster Armouries mainline releases and Bolster Tuned platforms where necessary. The cylinder port position ensures that the volume of air provided by the compression of the piston is enough to fill the 260mm barrel, but not so much that it causes inefficiencies.

If you like your "sleeper" AEGs, those that don't look like they can make you throw your hand up and shout "HIIT"  from 60 meters away, the Bolster Tuned CM.041L will be an asset to your arsenal. With sniper rifle-like range and Vulcan cannon like rate of fire inside a realistic full metal body with all the modern M-LOK furniture anyone could ask for, this tiny but potent AEG will have the enemy thinking they are out of range, only to take a burst to the chest seconds later!

Package Includes

• Bolster Tuned CYMA CM.041L SMG-5K Upgraded AEG
• CYMA 130rnd Straight Mid-cap magazine for SMG-5 x 2
• 5KU SF QD Spitfire Tracer Unit for SMG5/Tri-Lug (pre-installed)
• Cleaning rod
• Gate ASTER PVC Patch